S/S'12 Trend Guide

Freak Like Me

Meadham Kirchhoff’s friendship with teen fashion blogger Tavi has spawned a trend for novelty and what the design duo calls ‘anti beauty’: think subverted grunge queen meets Raggedy Ann doll – it sounds bonkers, but the result is surprisingly wearable: pretty net skirts, pastel slips and nu-rave accessories, as well as decal motifs on accessories and conversational prints on clothing as seen at Prada.

Lace Odyssey

Lace is still going strong (good news for those of us who bought into it last season). What’s new? Oversize reworkings of traditional Broderie Anglaise at Louis Vuitton; lilac and pale pink eyelet patterns at Prada; a stronger, darker vibe in drenched indigo blue (Elie Saab) and scarlet (Valentino); and awkward-cute Japanese-inspired layering at Miu Miu, all of which look perfect when teamed with the new boxy jacket shape or on a peplum dress.

Game On

Call it Olympics fever or that the return of color and print calls for a fuss-free modern silhouette, but sporty features are in the air. Marc Jacobs and Thomas Tait sent out luxury sweat shirts, this season’s new statement sweater, Alexander Wang was hot off the mark with BMX bandit style, and there were raincoatss aplenty; Peter Pilotto, meanwhile, went techno-fabulous with scuba zip detailing. Look for racer-front vests, two-tone, crop tops and this season’s Marmite piece, the wedge hi-top sneaker.

Mermaids

By the time Florence Welch emerged, singing, from a giant sea shell at the Chanel show, it was clear an oceanic wave was riding the catwalks. Mermaid-esque gowns shimmered at Armani and Alexander McQueen, metallics in soft hues were everywhere and aquatic-themed details had a moment; at Theyskens’ Theory, meanwhile, it was about a modern interpretation of Neptunian-hued shimmer on utilitarian pieces teamed with bovver boots, shorts and a biker jacket.

Pyjama Party

Go on, slip into something more comfortable and join the pajama party! Silky ensembles stepped out of the boudoir and onto the runway with Royal Tenenbaum-like monogrammed sets at J.W. Anderson, gentleman scarf-print pants at Paul Smith and sumptuous, slouchy numbers at Lanvin and Stella McCartney. It’s all about a slouchy silhouette and a take on evening that is more house party than bedroom.

pretty sweet

Sugar was back on the fashion menu with Marc Jacobs at Louis Vuitton leading the charge. His delectable collection of pastels, lace and feathers crowned the lantern skirt as the season’s new piece, in shades like mint green, lilac and pale pink. Appliqué daisies at Prada and soft frills at Chanel added extra frosting to the innocent new mood.

21st century gatsby

Carey Mulligan as Daisy Buchanan in this year’s adaptation of the Great Gatsby; flapper dresses at Gucci and Victoria Beckham; a yearning for shimmer and shine – oh yes, the ‘20s are ripe for being inspired by. While the drop-waist dress is a key style for the season, modern girls avoid looking retro by subverting the look with neon accessories, hi-top sneakers and digi prints.

cmyk: color blast

Fierce color continues to rule the catwalks and the sidewalks. This season, if we had to root for one shade, it’d be yellow: yup, in every variation from dandelion to smiley-face, sunny shades are lifting our mood. See also: Yves Klein blue and blood orange. If you’re feeling bold, go for a total color look; otherwise, stick to a brightly-hued pair of jeans (still a massive wardrobe hit) with a white shirt or sweatshirt.

Total Print

It started with the Céline resort 2012 collection and grew, vine-like, from there: head-to-toe prints in digi florals, daisies, tropical blooms and zig-zags – sprawled over collections as diverse as Carven, Proenza Schouler and Christopher Kane. For a less extrovert look, work your patterned pants with a plain pastel top or your printed luxe T-shirt with an umbrella skirt.